Letters: May 2017

Exciting Fashion Movement
This article is so exciting for the newest movement in fashion … a new fashion conversation that fashion is for everybody. Keep this conversation trending [“Adaptive Clothing Shakes Up the Fashion World,” March 2017].Sharae Moore MyersVia newmobililty.com

Promising, but Affordable?
As a quad for the last 34 years I’ve seen various adaptive clothing companies come with great promise and then disappear a few years later. Even though I’ve liked some of the designs and adaptations, I can’t afford the prices. My budget simply doesn’t allow spending $60 or more for a pair of pants or $50 for a shirt.Matt GrillotVia newmobility.com

It’s Coming
Our less expensive adaptive jean for Walmart.com re-order is in process, and will be re-stocked there in a few months. In the meantime, stay tuned for new styles and fabrics!Stephanie Alves, Abl Denim, abldenim.comVia newmobility.com

Operation Needed for Pain
My fiancé’s neuropathic pain is so constant and strong (over 15 years of his C5 incomplete injury) that none of the meds mentioned in the article have helped him [“The Pain That Never Stops,” March 2017]. For the past few years he’s been on methadone and fentanyl patches, but even with these not being enough to calm the pain, he will be getting a spinal cord stimulator surgery in three weeks. Let’s hope this works!Paula Andrade Chester, Virginia

Opioids Do Work
Thanks for the story on finding pain “cocktails” that work [“The Pain That Never Stops”]. I am a T7 incomplete para who experiences all the types of pain described in the article, thankfully usually at different times. I have a mix of drugs that I take and find I can usually get the pain to a three [on a scale of 10]. Right now there is so much news about opioid dependence that it has many doctors unwilling to prescribe them on a regular basis. I am taking this article with me to my next appointment with the “pain specialist” I must see in order to continue the prescriptions that I have been taking for 10 years. This industry has many newcomers to the field who are so intent on lowering or discontinuing every patient’s dosage. They don’t seem to understand some people live with, and will always live with, continuous pain. I hope that by having them read this article they might understand the situation for people with SCI.Sandra SoryGreeley, Colorado

Sharing Info Helps
The article on pain was informative and therapeutic. Hearing stories similar to mine (C6-7 incomplete injury for 25 years) was a great way to commiserate, which is something I don’t get to do often, as I’ve had only a small number of friends with SCIs. I look forward to reading NM just for those reasons.Bryan WynachtVia newmobility.com

Outrageous Cost
You have got to be pulling my leg! $3,000-plus for a seat cushion? [“Cushion Options for Severely Compromised Skin,” March 2017]. If you don’t know it, stealing from disabled people is illegal.William DurhamVia newmobility.com

Pricey but Worth It
I have been using the Ride cushion for more than 15 years, after having many problems with pressure sores (40 years in a wheelchair), and I have had absolutely no problems since I started using the Ride. It’s custom made, ischials are suspended, and weight is distributed throughout the seating area. I have a cushion/back that helps prevent scoliosis issues. Yes, it’s very expensive — equal to about two days in the hospital. [But] with the cost of one butt surgery, you could buy about 100 Rides.Richard St. DenisVia newmobility.com

Another Airlines Atrocity
My wife and I were flying New York to Chicago. I watched from the plane as American brought her 400-pound power wheelchair to the plane in a flatbed truck literally upside down, resting on the arms and the controls [“NEW MOBILITY Contributor Removed from American Airlines Flight,” March 31 News, newmobility.com]. I spoke to the captain who went down to the tarmac (he was told that was the proper way to handle a wheelchair). We arrived in Chicago with a totally destroyed control panel. We spent two hours in the airport arguing with American Airlines personnel that we would not leave the airport until we had a signed resolution regarding repair. They did not want to sign anything and only wanted us to leave. Finally a Chicago police officer suggested strongly that American Airlines sign off for repair. This was six years ago and we immediately switched to Delta and have averaged six round trips a year with never a problem and the most courteous people you can ever imagine.Bobby VVia newmobility.com